Q: If a citizen of the U.S. refuses to answer the census, can they be forced to do it? What are the consequences for not completing it?
—Bill Maddox, Conyers
A: U.S. law requires a response, according to the U.S. Census Web site, at 2010.census.gov. Title 13 (section 221) also requires that the Census Bureau keep respondents' answers confidential and uses them only for tabulations that do not reveal any personal data about individuals or households. Although the law makes it a crime not to answer the decennial census, the American Community Survey and other mandatory censuses, and authorizes the courts to impose a fine of up to $5,000 for failure to respond, the Census Bureau says it views this approach as a last resort. Rather than emphasizing or seeking the imposition of penalties, the Bureau says it encourages a response by explaining the importance of the questions asked and how the information benefits the community.
Q: Is Justin Farmer of WSB-TV the son of Don Farmer and Chris Curle?
—Karen Turner, Marietta
A: Justin Farmer told the Q&A on the News that Don Farmer is his father and Curle is his stepmother. "They both live in Marco Island, Fla., now and visit here frequently. My mother lives in Canton, as does my sister and her family," he wrote in an e-mail. Farmer is a native of Atlanta.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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